Since first hearing about this tour, I have to say I was beyond excited to see what Kate and Co. had instore for us. Her last few outings on the Tina Arena/Richard Marx Always Live show at Mornington Racecourse, the incredible Superstars Tour with Jon Stevens and her set at The ROAR Festival in St. Kilda were more than enough to wet the taste buds for what to expect from this tour. As time grew closer to the commencement of the tour, what this show would be remained a mystery, but I was sure that it was a must see on my gig calendar given those last three shows especially. As time grew closer to the tours start, I knew that there was going to be something very different about these shows but what would be different I had no idea.
To be invited as the first media to be allowed to dive into this show is a complete honour and privilege.
There is something to be said about talent and a star quality. Kathleen Halloran has both in volumes. The pure thrill of opening a show of this calibre is an opportunity many would have given most anything to do. In the case of Halloran, she has earned this opening place on this tour. The friendship and time shared with Kate Ceberano who is Halloran’s boss, confidante and mentor over the last eight years has seen Kathleen Halloran blossom into an incredible solo artist. Watching Halloran’s transformation from musical companion to bona fide solo artist in her own right has been nothing short of incredible. There is an honesty and quality to this performance that is simply captivating and those closest to her clearly understand the magic that is within her.
Every time I see Kathleen Halloran perform, I find something a little more refined and polished in her set, whether it be with her band, her trio or solo. It’s as if she can stretch her wings further in a span that has just begun. Her confidence performing an incredible forty-minute set of mostly her own material Halloran delivered a stunning set.
A woman, a voice, a guitar, some stories and a single spotlight is all that was needed to pull you in. Frankston Arts Centre experienced some magic in this performance. So perfectly simple yet powerful, moving and inspiring.
Opening with an incredible version of Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” made me smile so incredibly. This song is not only one of my favourite songs of all time but allows Halloran to captivate you with something familiar. The delivery is on point as a full house at Frankston Arts Centre sat silent, attentive and captivated. The arrangement make for an incredible listen as it’s stripped back, raw and magical, the way Halloran has approached this and the way in which Halloran delivers it is chilling and spellbinding. This is just the opening to her set and the applause at the end of it was deafening. The room knew they were seeing something very special.
The next thirty minutes of the set was a collection of original songs that are all the making of her forthcoming debut album. While that record will be with a full band, this is where and how these songs all began a voice, lyrics and guitar. I love hearing songs in this format as it allows you into the world of the artist and their tales
With two singles already out on all streaming platforms, “Find Me Again” the second single was tonight’s first taste of her original material. I first heard this song performed in an acoustic environment almost a year ago at Halloran’s debut solo and acoustic show and fell in love with it. Hearing the story behind it and how it is delivered in such an exposed state is simply amazing. Now this just isn’t me saying it, it was evident from the silent engagement and audiences’ vibrant response to this song and in fact her whole set.
There is a certain vulnerability in putting these tales of life experiences into lyrics and music, let alone baring your soul to a room full of strangers. The confidence in which Halloran weaves from stories to songs is incredible. “Nobody’s Baby” further reached into the audience as she cast more magic into our collective ears.
There is a confidence and element of showman ship present in this performance that I haven’t seen from Kathleen before. “Stolen Night” is an amazing song that is delivered perfectly, and “Showstopper” is just what the title implies. It’s always interesting to learn the backstory behind a song and with “Showstopper” it isn’t what you think it would be. If you were there you already know, if you don’t then you must check out Kathleen live.
Closing out with a cover of Dire Straits “Sultans Of Swing” this acoustic imagining is nothing short of sensational. By the time the final note rang out Kathleen Halloran had a near standing ovation. The journey we had just been taken on was met with so much love and appreciation you could only imagine how it felt coming back to you on stage.
A connection had been cast and Kathleen Halloran made her mark and made sure everyone remembered her name, and that is how you do it.
Setlist : Can’t Find My Way Home, Find Me again, Nobody’s Baby, Stolen Night, Showstopper, Sultans Of Swing.
If you think you have seen Kate Ceberano perform before, think again, this is no ordinary show, it’s a performance that embraces and embodies our rich and vast musical heritage and showcases all genres of music that makes Australian music so great. Tonight’s show was nothing short of a journey, a history lesson in Australian popular music that spans many decades. It’s not just a performance, it’s an exhibition of sort, an interactive outing that touches the soul and makes you want to move your body. Being a sponge for all things Australian music as far back as I can remember Ceberano had me in the palm of her hand, engaged, captivated and transported back to where I had originally heard the songs that made up this set of Australian Classics. It was perfectly delivered and wrapped itself around you like a big warm blanket, a friend you hadn’t seen in years.
The tour’s name Australian Made gives off a feeling that tonight’s set could be a revision of the groundbreaking 1987/88 national tour of the same name and a focus on the artists and songs of just that time. While this does hold significance and inspiration for the show its vision is much wider. Ceberano was everywhere in the years leading up to that groundbreaking tour. If you didn’t know who Kate Ceberano was at that time, you certainly knew her voice, she made her presence known all over the radio, the charts and music television. This show tips its hat to the artists that have truly shaped our musical landscape and soundtracks to our lives.
Performing as a trio Ceberano along with Kathleen Halloran and Harts they paint musical pictures, create textures and show versatility. Each member taking on multiple roles in the musical execution of this performance. Ceberano from her drumming and percussive contributions to her keyboard skills worked her way around the playground she has created for herself and the band. Harts on bass, keyboards, synth and guitar is a force to be reckoned with while Halloran again shone on guitar and for me debuted her muscle on bass as well. Halloran also took to the keys for the nights closing song which is a journey within itself.
While I try to usually be extremely detailed in the way I write about a show, the songs that were performed tonight and the way the set list and the show have been built it requires an air of mystery, there must remain an element of surprise. You need to feel what I and the rest of those in attendance felt in person. No words can truly put just how good this show is, the twists and turns are just incredible, and you walk alongside Ceberano as she takes you on a trip like no other.
The musicianship is sublime, Ceberano’s two weapons of choice in Halloran and Harts give their all to this performance. There are no egos on this stage and the synchronicity and compliment one another in how they perform and musically multitask is something to be seen. Each performer is there to give their best and it shows. They both have their spotlight moments and their freedom to express, shred and blow minds as performers. The way that these songs have been structured, approach and delivered is masterful and the musical directors need to be applauded for the way this show is pieced together.
Ceberano in her stories and tales of the artists that wrote the soundtrack for most of this show simply oozed charm, wittiness and passion. These short song interludes took you back to a place and a time and gave substance to their selection.
As a performer, Ceberano only gets better. Her own ability to take on percussive parts while still belt out this superb Australian songbook is mesmerising. At times this show is in your face, hi energy, at other times its gentle and moving. Make no mistake there is so much heart and soul in here, this really is such a personal show. Reflecting on the show, everything is intentional and so well placed and that’s what makes this journey so special. The tales of Australian icons no longer with us, people who played pivotal roles as mentor and inspiration are all engaging, as are the stories behind a youthful Ceberano. As I have said before you feel like you are walking by Ceberano’s side this whole performance, you connected with the time, the place and the moments.
The songs that make up this show have been meticulously picked, and all took me back to where I was when I first heard them. Genres are crossed and tell a story, the setlist is masterfully put together, the songs immaculate in their selection and the execution will leave you speechless. While it’s not a completely new show in terms of song selection, all the crowd favourites are there. Anyone that has seen a Kate Ceberano show in the last few years will be greeted with the songs you would expect; it’s what you don’t see coming that takes this whole show to a new level.
Even when the encore came to be you were left spellbound and the music gems unleashed were perfectly placed. Mind you, mid set Frankston Arts Centre were mostly on their feet, dancing, singing and had left the outside world in the foyer. Frankston awarded Ceberano, Halloran and Harts with a standing ovation. It was the deserved thank you for this performance. Seeing smiles on so many faces really did confirm what I felt was took from the show.
This in so many ways was such a special show. A hometown show with family in attendance just added a sprinkle of magic to it. Ceberano’s dedication of “Brave” to her mother was beautiful. There was lot of love in that room tonight.
Kate Ceberano’s Australian Made Tour is bold, iconic, inspired and a must-see experience.
The tour is selling out and dates are being added. I urge you to grab yourself a ticket to one of the best shows you will see this or any year.
Setlist : YOU HAVE TO GO AND CHECK IT OUT !!!!
All image credits Shot by Slaidins Photography
